I am not so naïve to believe the times we live in are the darkest days in history. The evil running rampant in our world is not without precedence. Tales of the Roman Empire reveal it was-if you can believe it-even more immoral than today’s culture. The holocaust was even more sadistic than most of the evil occurring today, although recent acts of barbarism make that a close race. But without a doubt, these are the darkest days of our lifetime.
A day does not go by without gross sinfulness making the headlines. Some of it is criminal. Most of it is becoming not just socially acceptable but societal norms. The world is turning God’s perfect design for marriage and sexuality into perversion. They are exchanging human dignity for murder when having a child is inconvenient. What is good is called evil, and what is evil is called good (Isaiah 5:20). A deep night has fallen across our world, and we must shine like stars to lead others through these dark times.
Paul’s encouragement for us to shine like stars in a world of evil has never been more relevant (Philippians 2:15). When the night is the darkest, stars shine their brightest. We can only shine as we reflect the light of Christ. If there is anything between us and Jesus, that reflection will be dull, deflected, or perhaps not visible at all. How tragic is it to have the light and be unwilling or unable to share it with others stumbling in the dark? Our mission is to shine the light of God throughout the entire world (Matthew 28:19-20).
Given how the darkness of sin is covering our world, it has never been easier to shine like stars. It has perhaps also never been so dangerous. When you are the lone light flickering in the dark, the world will take notice. They cannot ignore you, and you cannot hide. If you dare to shine for Jesus, you will find unprecedented opportunities to share His good news with others. You will also find yourself with a target on your back. Jesus promised persecution would come to His followers, and if you stand out in a world demanding conformity, persecution will find you (John 15:18-20).
It would be easier to hide the light and save yourself some trouble, but no one who has the light of Jesus within them could ever do that (Matthew 5:14)! His goodness, mercy, and love are too overwhelming to contain (Jeremiah 20:9). We must share Jesus because we can not help but do so (Matthew 5:16). The closer we walk with Jesus, the more His light will shine through us and reflect off of us. Because of Him, we are the light of the world and the world can never extinguish that light (John 1:5).
Don’t let the evil closing in discourage you. In the midst of so much darkness, we must shine like stars to light the way to Jesus. Only He can save because only He is true. Daniel tells us, “Those who are wise will shine like the bright expanse of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3). Let us work to lead many to Christ and shine like stars throughout this life and into the life eternal. Seek God, draw near to Him, and share the good news of the gospel at every opportunity.